Remote work. Social distancing. Virtual learning for kids out of school. Things are pretty topsy-turvy and stressful right now. It makes it hard to even think about self-care. But even the CDC, aka the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, says that “now is the best time to carve out some ‘me’ time” to help you cope with life during a pandemic.
Fear and anxiety often lead to stress and depression. Self-care is a terrific way to build physical and mental resilience. And coping with stress in a healthy way makes you and the people you care about stronger.
Here are four of our top tips for taking care of yourself, as well as the benefits of a massage at our Philadelphia spa.
Work it Out
For some people, yoga does the trick. Others love to train for a marathon. Sometimes you only have time for a 7-Minute Workout. Whatever gets your heart pumping and your muscles flexing is good self-care for mind, body, and soul. Brisk walking is another excellent exercise and a wonderful way to take in Mother Nature. The point is to get moving and get those endorphins released. A bonus: physical activity also boosts dopamine and serotonin levels which increase your happiness hormones.
Take a News Break
As in, limit your media intake to a couple times a day, especially non-stop social media and news that covers coronavirus updates. It’s hard not to surf the web, watch TV, or scroll through a device when you’re feeling trapped inside, but try to expand on what you consume. Read a digital book or watch a favorite comedy series. You can also spend time putting together multiple playlists or listening to interesting podcasts on the arts, sports, or whatever else interests you.
Improve Your Environment
The Mayo Clinic says clutter can lead to more stress and anxiety. If you’re spending a lot more time at home—and who isn’t?—try decluttering for five to 10 minutes a day. Paint that bathroom you’ve been meaning to get to for years. If you love crafting, set aside 20 to 30 minutes a day to work on a project. Get out and work in the garden. Live in the urban jungle? Start a shelf of succulents or plant a small herb garden on the kitchen windowsill. Any improvement to your surroundings, whether major or minor, is a valid contribution towards your self-care.
Philadelphia Massage and Body Restoration
Many people think of massage as a nice indulgence but not always a necessity. The truth is, as Penn Medicine explains, massage can have enormous positive effects on your mental and physical health, “boosting your mood, relieving anxiety, and fighting depression.”
Aside from the known benefits of easing sore muscles and fostering relaxation, the power of touch through massage has so many more benefits. It can help in the healing of digestive disorders, insomnia, headaches, and soft tissue strains and sprains. It also can reduce the impact of the stress hormone cortisol while increasing those important dopamine and serotonin levels.
The good news is that Philadelphia massage facilities are operating once again, albeit it with strict health and safety precautions. There’s no better time to discover the true benefits of regular massage. Need more convincing?
- If you don’t make time to replenish yourself, you won’t be able to give your best to others.
- Regular massage helps maintain your flexibility, improves your posture, and gives you more energy.
- Increased blood flow from massage works to relieve back pain, heal sore muscles, and improve overall health.
Just one massage a month can make a huge difference in how you feel about yourself and the world around you. And you’ll never regret how it helps you live a happy, healthy, and fulfilled life. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a mind and body restoring massage.
